TW 25233 Flattening Powder – Matte & Satin Additive for TW Graphics Water-Based Poster Inks
TW Graphics
TW 25233 Flattening Powder gives you precise, repeatable gloss control over any TW Graphics water-based poster ink. Add 1–8% by weight to take a TW 5500 Flat Series or TW 5000 Gloss Series ink from its default sheen down to a rich satin or dead-flat matte — no color shift, no special curing. Sold per pound. Product Code 4108. Made in the USA by TW Graphics.
✓ Satin to Full Flat Range
✓ TW 5000 & 5500 Compatible
✓ No Color Shift
✓ Cure-Compatible
✓ Made in USA
🚚 Same-Day Shipping Before 3:30 PM CT | Free Shipping Over $200 | Stocked in San Antonio, TX
$54.99
Description
TW Graphics — Water-Based Additive — Product Code 4108
TW 25233 Flattening Powder
Not every print calls for a high-gloss finish. Concert posters, fine art serigraphs, event signage, band merch, and point-of-purchase displays demand a matte or satin look that feels premium, kills reflections under stage and gallery lighting, and lets the ink color do the talking. TW 25233 Flattening Powder gives you precise, repeatable control over the final sheen of any TW Graphics water-based ink — from a subtle satin to a rich, light-absorbing flat — in a single weighed addition at the press.
Key Features
Precision Gloss Control
Add 1% for a soft satin sheen, or dial up to 8% for a fully flat matte. Every increment in between is yours to tune on the press.
Broad Ink Compatibility
Works with TW 5000 Gloss Series, TW 5500 Flat Series, and TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks. One additive for the entire TW poster lineup.
No Color Impact
Targets only the surface texture of the cured film. Pigment load, opacity, and hue remain intact at all recommended usage rates.
Cure-Compatible
Cures alongside standard TW water-based inks. No special temperatures, extended dwell times, or additional chemistry required.
Who Uses TW Graphics Flat Poster Inks?
TW Graphics water-based poster inks and the additives that fine-tune them are the first choice of professional printers working in flat-stock and poster applications.
🎤 Concert & Gig Poster Printers
Poster artists and shops printing for bands, labels, and venues rely on TW water-based inks for the rich flat colors that define the art-poster aesthetic. Flattening Powder kills hot spots under stage and gallery lighting.
🌟 Fine Art & Serigraph Studios
Edition-based serigraph studios printing limited-run fine art need consistent, non-glare surfaces for gallery display. Collectors and curators expect it; TW and Flattening Powder deliver it.
📷 Merch & Event Graphics Shops
Shops printing tour merch, event programs, promotional posters, and retail displays use TW 5500 inks for their vibrant flat colors. A controlled matte finish makes pieces look intentional and premium.
🏳 Sign & Nameplate Shops
Industrial and commercial sign printers spec low-gloss finishes on nameplates and POP displays to reduce glare in high-ambient-light environments.
🎓 Art Schools & Print Labs
University printmaking programs and community studios teaching hand-pulled serigraph technique use TW inks for consistent, studio-grade results that are easy to formulate and adjust.
Why Gloss Control Matters in Poster & Flat-Stock Printing
Water-based inks naturally cure to a surface ranging from high-gloss to semi-flat. For many applications the default gloss works against the final design intent.
Concert & Event Posters
A matte finish reads as premium. It reduces hot spots under stage, gallery, and retail lighting, making color fields look richer rather than reflective.
Fine Art Serigraphs
Collectors and galleries expect a controlled, non-glare surface. Match the finish to the artistic vision without switching ink systems.
Point-of-Purchase Displays
Overhead fluorescent lighting turns glossy inks into glare magnets. A flat or satin finish keeps the message readable from any angle.
Nameplates & Signage
Industrial nameplates often spec a low-gloss finish for professional appearance and reduced fingerprint visibility.
Gloss Level Reference Chart
Weigh both ink and powder on a gram scale for repeatable, consistent results across press runs.
| Desired Finish | Addition Rate (by wt.) | Viscosity Effect | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subtle Satin | 1–2% | Minimal | Light water addition if needed |
| Satin / Semi-Flat | 3–5% | Moderate increase | TW Z1820 Thinner or water |
| Full Flat / Matte | 6–8% | Significant increase | TW Z1820 Thinner; recheck before printing |
Step-by-Step Mixing Guide
Step 1 — Weigh Your Ink
Place your ink container on a gram scale. This weight is the base for your powder calculation.
Step 2 — Calculate & Weigh Powder
Multiply ink weight by target % (e.g., 500g x 5% = 25g powder). Weigh powder separately before adding.
Step 3 — Incorporate & Stir
Add powder gradually while stirring until fully dispersed. Dry pockets produce uneven gloss.
Step 4 — Adjust Viscosity
Add water or TW Z1820 Thinner to restore press-ready consistency.
Step 5 — Evaluate After Cure
Allow 24 hours before final gloss assessment. Wet and freshly cured ink always reads glossier than the stabilized film.
Complete TW Graphics Water-Based Additives Guide
These additives work alongside TW 25233 to give you full control over every aspect of your press run. All stocked in San Antonio, TX — ships same day.
Browse all TW Graphics water-based additives at River City Supply →
Screen Room Recommendation
Best Emulsion for TW Graphics Poster Inks: Murakami Photocure Pro
The emulsion you choose is just as important as the ink. Water-based poster inks are demanding on screens — they require a stencil that holds razor-sharp edges at high mesh counts, resists moisture breakdown over long runs, and gives you the definition to nail fine halftone work and tight spot colors. After extensive testing across the TW 5000 and 5500 product lines, our recommendation is clear: Murakami Photocure Pro is the emulsion of choice for TW Graphics water-based poster printing.
Why emulsion choice matters with water-based inks: Unlike plastisol, water-based inks are actively hydrating — they work against the stencil from the moment they hit the screen. A standard photopolymer emulsion can begin breaking down at the edges of the stencil within a single long run, causing dot gain, color bleed, and eventually stencil failure. Photocure Pro’s dual-cure chemistry and high solids content give it the structural integrity to resist this throughout an entire edition. Pair it with MS Hardener for runs exceeding a few hundred impressions and your screen will hold as tight at impression 800 as it did at impression 1.
Compatible TW 5500 Flat Series Inks
TW 25233 works with every color in the TW 5500 Flat Series and the TW 5000 Gloss Series. Click any color below to shop.
Why Buy From River City Supply?
We have been supplying screen printers since 2008. When you order TW Graphics from us, you are ordering from a stocked, specialized distributor sitting right in the center of the country — not from a warehouse on the other coast.
🕒 Same-Day Shipping
Orders placed before 3:30 PM CT ship the same business day from our San Antonio, TX warehouse. Your ink is on a truck today, not tomorrow.
🌎 Faster Than Ordering Direct
TW Graphics is based in California. We are in San Antonio — dead center of the U.S. That means 1–3 day delivery to most of the country, consistently faster than ordering from TW direct.
🚚 Free Shipping Over $200
No handling fees, no surprises. Hit $200 and shipping is on us — stock up on Flattening Powder, inks, additives, and emulsion in one shipment.
📦 Deep Inventory On Hand
We keep the full TW Graphics water-based lineup in stock — all 5500 colors, all 5000 colors, every additive, and Murakami emulsions. No backorders, no waiting.
🎉 Authorized TW Distributor
River City Supply is an authorized TW Graphics distributor. Genuine product, genuine technical support, and a team that knows this ink line inside and out.
📞 Real People, Real Help
Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]. Our team can talk through formulation, additive ratios, and substrate compatibility for your specific job.
⚠ Viscosity Increases
Powder thickens the ink proportionally. Compensate with water or TW Z1820 Thinner. Do not over-thin.
⚠ 24-Hour Evaluation
Allow 24 hours after printing before final judgment on gloss, adhesion, and color. Freshly cured prints continue developing as the ink film stabilizes.
⚠ Test Before Production
Always run a test print on the production substrate first. Substrate surface energy, mesh count, and squeegee hardness all interact with the final finish result.
Pair with TW 5000 Gloss Series
Convert any high-gloss TW 5000 color to a refined satin or matte without buying additional ink — fastest way to expand your finish range mid-production.
Fine-Tune TW 5500 Flat Series
Even flat-series inks benefit from a gloss knock-down for dead-flat fine art and poster work where maximum light absorption is the goal.
Ready to Order?
Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]. Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT. Free shipping over $200.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | TW 25233 |
| Product Code | 4108 |
| Product Type | Water-Based Ink Additive — Gloss / Matting Agent |
| Manufacturer | TW Graphics (USA, est. 1923) |
| Unit Size | Per Pound (1 lb.) |
| Usage Rate | 1–8% by weight of ink |
| Finish Range | Satin (1–2%) → Semi-Flat (3–5%) → Full Flat/Matte (6–8%) |
| Effect on Viscosity | Increases; compensate with water or TW Z1820 Thinner |
| Effect on Color | None at recommended usage rates |
| Compatible Inks | TW 5500 Flat Series, TW 5000 Gloss Series, TW Custom Pantone Water-Based |
| Cure / Dry Temp | Air dry 20–30 min at room temp.; force dry seconds at 90–150°F (32–66°C) |
| Mixing Method | Weigh and stir into ink until fully dispersed; no heat required |
| Substrates | Poster board, polystyrene, polycarbonate, pressure sensitive vinyl, treated polyesters, Tyvek, Tedlar, aircraft interiors, flat rigid stock |
| Evaluation Time | Allow 24 hours post-print before final gloss assessment |
| Ships From | San Antonio, TX — same-day on orders before 3:30 PM CT |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does TW 25233 Flattening Powder actually do to the ink?
It reduces the gloss level of the cured ink film. TW Graphics water-based inks — especially the TW 5000 Gloss Series — cure to a high-sheen finish by default. Adding Flattening Powder causes the surface of the dried ink film to scatter light rather than reflect it uniformly, producing a satin, semi-flat, or fully matte appearance. The effect is entirely surface-level — pigment load, opacity, and hue are not affected at recommended usage rates.
How much Flattening Powder should I add?
The recommended range is 1–8% by weight. Use 1–2% for a subtle satin sheen, 3–5% for a semi-flat result, and 6–8% for a full flat or matte finish. Always weigh both ink and powder on a gram scale — eyeballing produces inconsistent results across containers and press runs.
Which TW Graphics inks is this compatible with?
TW 25233 is designed for TW Graphics water-based poster inks, including the TW 5500 Flat Series, TW 5000 Gloss Series, and TW Custom Pantone Water-Based Inks. It is not intended for solvent-based or UV-curable ink systems.
Why does my ink feel thicker after adding the powder?
Flattening Powder increases ink viscosity — this is a known and expected effect. After incorporating the powder, adjust consistency by adding water or TW Z1820 Thinner until the ink returns to press-ready state. Add thinner gradually and check frequently to avoid over-thinning.
Will it change the color of my ink?
At recommended usage rates (up to 8% by weight), Flattening Powder should not meaningfully shift the hue or opacity. Unlike white-based additives or extenders, the powder targets only surface texture. Always evaluate a test print before committing to production.
How do I evaluate the final gloss level?
Print a test swatch, allow it to fully cure and cool to room temperature, then wait a minimum of 24 hours before your final assessment. Wet and freshly cured ink reads glossier than the stabilized film. Evaluating too early leads to unnecessary formula adjustments.
Can I use this with plastisol garment inks?
No — TW 25233 is formulated for TW Graphics water-based poster inks, not plastisol. TW water-based poster inks are designed for flat rigid stock, not textile printing. For a matte effect on plastisol garment inks, you need a dedicated plastisol dulling or suede additive.
Does this affect cure temperature or dry time?
No significant change to cure parameters is expected at recommended usage rates. The ink will still air-dry in 20–30 minutes at room temperature, or force-dry in seconds at 90–150°F (32–66°C) — consistent with standard TW 5000 and 5500 Series specs.
Why buy from River City Supply instead of ordering from TW Graphics direct?
River City Supply is an authorized TW Graphics distributor based in San Antonio, TX — right in the center of the United States. TW Graphics is based in California. Ordering from us means same-day shipping on orders placed before 3:30 PM CT, 1–3 day transit to most U.S. destinations, and free shipping on orders over $200. You also get direct access to our team at (512) 454-0505 who know the full TW lineup and can help with formulation and technical questions.
Questions? Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]


























































